Federal Afterschool and Summer Funding Withheld: What It Means for Pennsylvania Communities
Message from the Director, Contrell Armor
July 2, 2025
The Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) is deeply concerned by the recent announcement from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Department of Education to pause critical federal education funding for the 2025–2026 school year. This pause affects several key programs, including afterschool and summer learning initiatives, support for English learners and migrant students, professional development for educators, and family literacy services.
The delay impacts over $6 billion in federal grants across the country, placing states—including Pennsylvania—in an extremely difficult position. Afterschool and summer programs rely on timely federal support to hire staff, plan programming and ensure safe, enriching environments for youth. Without these funds, providers may be forced to scale back services, reduce access or cancel programming entirely—affecting thousands of families who depend on these opportunities for care and learning outside the traditional school day.
At PSAYDN, we know afterschool and summer programs are more than enrichment—they are lifelines for working families and learning hubs for students. These programs support academic achievement, mental wellness, career exploration, and community connection. When funding is uncertain, the most vulnerable communities are hit the hardest.
We encourage our partners to stay informed, document local impact, and continue championing the value of these vital services. PSAYDN remains committed to supporting out-of-school-time providers across Pennsylvania as we navigate this challenge together. We are monitoring developments closely and will share updates and resources as they become available.
Education Department Restores COVID Funds For Schools With Some Caveats
The U.S. Department of Education has reversed course and will allow all states and school districts to spend their remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds through the original deadline of March 2026. This decision comes after multiple lawsuits challenged the department’s earlier move to cut off funding early for states that hadn’t joined legal action. Billions of dollars were at stake, funds that support critical school needs like tutoring, mental health services, building repairs, and summer learning programs. By reinstating the original timeline, the department aims to ensure fairness and avoid disruptions for districts still depending on these resources.
However, the legal battle isn’t over. Education Secretary Linda McMahon noted the department may reimpose spending restrictions if court decisions ultimately favor the federal government. For now, the temporary stability allows schools to move forward with plans to support student learning and recovery. This policy shift is especially important for youth-serving organizations and schools still implementing long-term strategies funded by pandemic relief dollars, underscoring how federal policy decisions can directly impact classrooms and communities.
New Federal Guidance Expands Flexibility for School Improvement and School Choice
The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance allowing states to use federal Title I funds with greater flexibility to support schools identified for Comprehensive, Targeted, or Additional Support and Improvement under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The guidance permits districts to allocate resources toward interventions such as tutoring, literacy programs and STEM initiatives, and enables students attending low‑performing schools to transfer to higher‑performing schools or access alternative educational services. By adjusting funding rules and expanding student choice options, the department aims to direct federal resources more strategically toward school improvement efforts.
Millicent Godoy will represent Pennsylvania in the National Civics Bee!
In June, 24 talented middle school students from across Pennsylvania showcased their civics knowledge and community ideas at the 2025 Pennsylvania State Finals of the National Civics Bee, an event co-chaired by Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry CEO Luke Bernstein and Lt. Governor Austin Davis that aims to inspire informed and engaged young leaders amid declining civics knowledge nationwide.
Millicent Godoy of Hershey Middle School took first place and will represent Pennsylvania this fall at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., competing against top students from across the country, while Cooper Palma of Mt. Nittany Middle Schooland Mihir Pilgaonkar of St. Ignatius Loyola Regional School earned second and third place, respectively.
This competition not only celebrates academic excellence but also encourages youth to deepen their understanding of government and develop leadership skills to positively impact their communities. Congratulations to all of this years winners!
Join the nationwide celebration of National Summer Learning Week, a week dedicated to highlighting how high-quality summer programs keep kids learning, engaged, and thriving all summer long. From STEM and literacy to the arts, wellness, and leadership, each day focuses on a key theme that supports student success and narrows the opportunity gap. Whether you're a youth, educator or program leader, explore events, activities and resources to celebrate and elevate the impact of summer learning in your community!
The Knowledge Society (TKS) offers a unique global innovation program that empowers youth to become future leaders in cutting-edge fields like AI, space tech, biotech and climate solutions. Through real-world mentorship, hands-on projects, and a global peer network, TKS participants build impressive portfolios, tackle real-world problems, and gain the confidence to lead and innovate. With flexible in-person options in six major cities and a virtual format accessible worldwide, TKS gives students the tools, mindset and community to turn big ideas into action.
The application deadline is July 31, 2025, and the program kicks off in September 2025, so now is the time to enroll or share with a motivated teen in your network. TKS alumni have landed internships at OpenAI and Google, collaborated with the UN, and even launched startups. If you're working with teens ages 13–17 who are curious, driven and eager to make an impact, encourage them to enroll!
Get on the Bus with Neighborhood Learning Alliance!
July 24, 8:45 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Come join us for an exciting event at Community College of Allegheny County! Hop on the bus and embark on a learning adventure like no other. This event brings together educators, business leaders, policymakers and community partners to highlight the importance of workforce development and exposure for our region’s youth. It’s more than a gathering—it’s a powerful platform to drive collaboration, spark innovation, and help shape Pittsburgh's workforce.
Supporting Early Childhood STEAM Experiences through Play
[Recorded June 9] Discover how to spark curiosity and build STEAM skills in young children through authentic, play-based learning in this engaging webinar recording from theNational Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP).Perfect for early childhood educators and caregivers, the session explores how to introduce high-tech STEAM concepts using screen-free, low-cost and developmentally appropriate activities for pre-K to 3rd grade. You'll gain evidence-based strategies, hands-on examples, and a practical framework to bring interdisciplinary STEAM learning to life—no expensive tech required.
Looking for inspiring, flexible professional development this summer? The Educator Summit 2025 has you covered! With your Summer Pass, you’ll gain 90 days of on-demand access to over 35 hours of engaging, high-impact virtual PD sessions tailored for preschool through 5th-grade educators. Learn from some of the most trusted voices in education all from the comfort of home and on your schedule. The Educator Summit makes summer learning simple, affordable and inspiring.
Youth Move PA: Social Media and Its Connection to Mental Health
July 22, noon - 2 p.m. | Virtual
Join this free two-hour training to explore how social media affects mental health and what you can do about it. Designed for youth, young adults and professionals, this session offers practical tips to manage excessive use, reduce mental health risks, and promote positive online behavior. You’ll walk away with tools, resources and a certificate of completion. Don’t miss this opportunity to build healthier digital habits for yourself or those you support!
Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) has launched a new 2025–2027 strategic plan to strengthen and support out-of-school time providers in Allegheny County through increased awareness, workforce professionalization and organizational sustainability. Developed collaboratively, the plan outlines clear objectives for its first year, including building public understanding of OST, enhancing professional development, and reinforcing APOST’s internal infrastructure.
Report Highlights Urgent Needs in Youth-serving Workforce
Explore "The Power of Us Workforce Survey," a groundbreaking national report that captures insights from over 10,000 youth-serving professionals. While many enter the field driven by purpose and seek professional growth, the findings reveal high rates of burnout and significant pay gaps, especially among leaders. This report is a must-read for anyone committed to strengthening the afterschool, mentoring and summer learning workforce and advancing policies that support those shaping young lives beyond the classroom.
Dates available in September and October | In-person and Virtual
Join PHEAA as they explore the opportunities and application procedures for federal and state financial aid. Understand changes and timely issues that affect you as you work with students who are pursuing their postsecondary options. Save the date!
Pennsylvania Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) is an initiative of Center for Schools and Communities, division of Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
275 Grandview Avenue, Suite 200, Camp Hill,PA,17011
